Phillies just waiting until Odubel Herrera is gone
At one point, Odubel Herrera was going to be a part of the Philadelphia Phillies’ future. A former Rule V Draft pick, Herrera had turned into a solid all around player, earning a five year extension with two team options for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. While he may not be a star, he was the type of player that a team could build around.
That changed in 2019. Herrera’s production had begun to slip after signing that extension, reaching rock bottom that season. Additionally, Herrera was suspended for 85 games that season for violating the league’s domestic violence policy. He has not appeared in the majors since then.
Phillies waiting for Odubel Herrera to go away
It is very clear that Herrera is not a part of the Phillies’ plans in any way. He was removed from the 40 man roster and was not brought to the alternate training site last summer. While Dave Dombrowski stated that the Phillies are discussing what to do with Herrera, he hardly gave a ringing endorsement.
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The Phillies could certainly use Herrera’s salary now. He is slated to earn just over $10 million this season, which may well be spent in the minors. As the team still needs to improve their starting rotation and bullpen, while looking to bring J.T. Realmuto back, that contract looks even worse.
Herrera may be able to pick up the pieces of his career after the season. He has produced solid overall numbers, with a .276/.333/.423 batting line over his 2492 plate appearances, hitting 60 homers and 122 doubles while stealing 56 bases. However, most of that production came in his first three years in the majors.
Likewise, it has been over a year and a half since Herrera last appeared in a major league game. He will have quite a bit of rust to knock off if he is to resurrect his career. Should the Phillies not bring him back this year, that timeline gets pushed even further back. As they appear to be waiting for his contract to end, it would be a surprise to see Herrera back in Philadelphia.
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The Phillies have moved on from Odubel Herrera. It is now a matter of time before he leaves the organization.